The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one of the National Institutes of Health, today announced the launch of the first national campaign to raise awareness that depression is a major public health problem affecting an estimated 6 million men annually. Research suggests that men are less likely to seek treatment for this serious illness; data also show that men die by suicide at four times the rate of women.

The public health education campaign from the NIMH – “Real Men. Real Depression.” –features the personal stories of men who live with depression: a firefighter, a national diving champion, a retired Air Force sergeant, a lawyer, a publisher, and a college student.

“For generations men have been told that they have to act tough,” U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona said. “Today we’re saying to men, it’s okay to talk to someone about what you’re thinking, or how you’re feeling, or if you’re hurting. We are attacking the stigma that tough guys can’t seek help. They can and they should.”

Research studies have found that depression affects twice as many women as men. However, research and clinical findings reveal that women and men may talk differently – or in the case of men, not talk – about the symptoms of depression.

Men may not recognize their irritability, sleep problems, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and withdrawal as signs of depression. This may result in fewer men recognizing their depression and asking for the help they need.

“This campaign is aimed at men. The hope here is to address men who have depression,” said Dr. Thomas Insel, Director, NIMH. “Men who may not even recognize that depression is the problem or that much can be done to help them. Effective treatments are available and the success rate is very high – more than 80 percent – for people who seek help.”

NIMH and documentary film producer Leslie Wiener developed a series of television, print and radio public service announcements (PSAs) featuring real people, not actors, telling their stories of how depression affected them.

The primary message of the PSAs is that it takes courage to ask for help. These men did and treatment for depression has helped them get back to their jobs, their families, and the activities they enjoyed before they began coping with the symptoms of depression. Patrick McCathern, First Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Retired, is one of the men who got the help he needed to deal with his depression.

“I’d gotten to the point where I couldn’t get out of bed. Nothing had meaning,” McCathern said. “You have to deal with it; it just doesn’t go away.”

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects the body, mind and behavior. Depression can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, or gender; symptoms of depression vary among individuals.

Instead of acknowledging their feelings, asking for help, or seeking appropriate treatment, men with depression may be more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs, or to become frustrated, discouraged, angry or irritable. Some men may throw themselves compulsively into their work or hobbies, attempting to hide their depression from themselves, family, and friends; other men may respond to depression by engaging in reckless behavior.

“This is an important area of research,” said Dr. Dennis Charney, Chief, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, NIMH. “We need to understand how men respond to stress and symptoms associated with depression, and how to alert physicians to better recognize and treat depressive disorders in men.”

“Men lead very complex lives, balancing many responsibilities,” Dr. Insel said. “Depression can impair their ability to be successful.”

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to call the campaign toll-free number (1-866-227-6464) and to access the NIMH Web site (www.nimh.nih.gov) to learn more.

NIMH is one of the 27 components that make up NIH, the Federal Government’s primary agency for biomedical and behavioral research. NIH is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

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About the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): The mission of the NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery and cure. For more information, visit the NIMH website.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit the NIH website .